Does anyone else find themselves doing this...

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This is going to sound sooo corny, but does anyone find themselves going into "nurse" mode when they are off the clock? Example : The other day at the grocery store, I saw this little old lady trying to get a loaf of bread. She was squinting and holding the loaves far away. She wasn't wearing any glasses. (ok, just to even notice all that, I felt was "nurse mode" looking for who needs help) and I asked her if she needed help and she accepted. I stayed until she had what she needed, and it had a far away expiration date. (She did forget her glasses and had trouble reading the loaves) So walking away I didn't feel like a person who did a nice deed, I felt like I was at work. Like it was my job to help her, like when I'm with a pt.

Does anyone else do this sort of stuff?? Am I just crazy??

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Specializes in med-surg.

All the time. My family hates it when they are in the nurse radar!

I really have to stop myself sometimes.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I would probably have done that too but just out of courtesy and respect for the elderly -- not because I'm a nurse.

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Specializes in Peds Trauma, Neurosurgery, Othopedics.

I find myself checking out peoples veins all the time. I'll be standing in line at the store and glance at someones arms and think "oh man, I'll bet I could get those on the first try" or "I wouldn't want to have to stick them". Or if I hear someone having a coughing fit in a resteraunt, I'll freeze and really "tune in" till I know they're okay.

Glad you posted, I was thinking maybe it was just me!:nuke:

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Specializes in snf, acute, prison, HOSPICE, ped MH.

YES!

I think some of us are just "wired" that way. I thought I was just overly nosy or more helpful than others, but now I see I am being a nurse!

Our job IS to be nosy and helpful.

Amen.

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Specializes in NICU.

Constantly. I've become the world-champion door-holder, dropped item picker-upper, direction-giver... you name it. I feel like maybe it makes up for the times I make someone scootch over on the subway so I can sit down after a bad night.

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Just imagine if we lived in a world were everyone was like this...wouldn't it be nice? I don't think its really "nurse" mode, I think that nurses are just generally more helpful individuals.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I routinely scold family members if I think they aren't taking good care of themselves or if they are noncompliant. Also, I find myself getting nervous when I see these elderly people tottering around..I hold doors open for them all the time, move obstacles out of their way, and if they drop something, I bend down and get it for them. I can't help it. I do Ortho surgery all evening so to me , these elderly are broken hips waiting to happen!:p

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Specializes in ER.

I don't find myself to be in "nurse mode" necessarily...but I do find that being an ER nurse has made me more socially assertive. Having to engage with strangers on such a personal level so many times a day has me to the point where I will strike up a conversation with anyone. It has really helped me be less timid.

I also do remember one time when I sat down on the toilet, jumped up and for a split second was looking for a hat to pee in.....(very tired that day :p )

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Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.
Just imagine if we lived in a world were everyone was like this...wouldn't it be nice? I don't think its really "nurse" mode, I think that nurses are just generally more helpful individuals.

I agree!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

I have the opposite reaction. Now I'll help an elderly person anytime. But my "nurse" mode goes into effect in places like stores and parking lots, I see someone who's obviously chronically ill, looks like a walking impending code and I walk the other way... very quickly, breathing a sigh of relief when I'm "clear".

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LOL that's funny, but it happens a lot..I've signed my credentials after my name on checks..I think we need to get out more!!!

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